Desiree Phillips, new the new officer commanding Eastern Division, said her main focus after assuming her new role is to boost the moral of officers, rebuild community trust and focus on crime reduction.

“We will continue to remain steadfast but there is a lot that remains to be done and we will definitely succeed with the assistance of the community at large,” Phillips said, as she asked for continued community support.

According to Phillips, under her watch the department will maintain high visibility and focus on gathering intelligence.
Phillips indicated that her department would continue to build on strategies to tackle gang-violence including continued dialogue with the gangs.

Phillips, who is only the second woman to command the Eastern Division, said that her gender will not play a role in the way she leads the department and said her experience over the last 28-years would guide her leadership.

Phillips added that over the past 18-months she has developed a very strong management team in preparing for the transition into her role as O.C.E.D.

According to Phillips, her past experience in community policing will factor a great deal into the way she leads and develops community trust.

Phillips added that the community should feel comfortable communicating with the police because the department is always available to assist.

We want to increase communication with the public, Phillips said.
She took over control of the Eastern Division on July 3rd from Miguel Segura who is now the Deputy Commissioner of Police.